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Some 200 political families rule the Philippines. They are set to tighten their grip further
The Philippines’ party-list system, introduced in 1987 to ensure the poor and marginalised have a say in government, is instead dominated by rich and powerful families today.
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (sixth from left) waving his country’s flag with his senatorial candidates, many of whom are tied to political clans.
ST PHOTO: ANGIE DE SILVA
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LEYTE – A muddy carabao trudged slowly across a narrow footbridge under the blazing sun, its owner guiding the majestic beast home as the Bangon River gushed below. The bridge is part of a flood control project built in 2018, which now spares the quaint Philippine village of San Miguelay from floods that once destroyed farmers’ crops in the surrounding fields.
Village chief Eric Roca, 38, watched the farmer pass by and nodded.
